Life in New Orleans? Should I move? (Metairie, Kenner: renting, neighborhood)

[Professor46]

Well Hawaii4evr you make me want to move to NOLA NOW! :-)

Originally Posted by Hawaii4evr

I thought the Sabal Palmetto is native to New Orleans? And when I lived there, I never saw rats or parrots in the palms. I wish I saw the parrots, but the rats--eww.

Anyways, I'll give you my thoughts. NOLA is a great city. I actually loved the weather, though winter was cooler than I thought it would be. However, since you're from Buffalo, you'll probably think it's balmy, lol. Anyways, as far as the weather goes, a lot of nice tropical monsoons in the summer, warm nights, the cicadas "chirping" is magical, and of course, the spring bloom. Weather is perfect in spring and fall, for the most part--moderate humidity, warm days, pleasant and mild nights. And an even mix of rain and sunshine.

I went to Loyola University New Orleans last year. The nightlife in NOLA is fantastic, as is the food! The people are really warm and friendly, for the most part. It's a very charming and historic city with a lot to do, and easy to get around on foot! As for the public transit, I found that the streetcar sufficed. It can be late sometimes because the drivers are "on Nawlins time", but it's cheap and efficient. And I noticed that everyone seemed to take the streetcar--no matter what race, socioeconomic status, where they were from...and it was cool to take the oldest streetcar system in the world just to get downtown. Also, it's great if you're drunk and need to get back home (since obviously drunk driving is a big no-no).

There are sketchy and poor areas for sure, but I think people exaggerate this. That said, the Garden District/Uptown area is probably the best in the city.

As far as AZ goes, it's beautiful. But I think it's too dry and the summers there are even hotter than NOLA. In addition, it's very sprawling and you need a car to get around there.

[Polarvortex1415]

Believe it or not, Louisiana had thunder snow last year!!! Once and in the northern part of the state. We had NO IDEA that was possible!

[adventuregurl]

Originally Posted by Professor46

I lived in Seattle for 13 years and didn't own a car for 9 of them; I walked everywhere (even in the pouring rain) or took mass transit. I loved it. Even in Buffalo I live in a very walkable part of the city and often leave my car at home; besides walking to coffee-shops and restaurants and to get groceries, I like taking long walks and looking at architecture, taking pictures etc. That said, I suppose I could get used to driving more, or driving to areas to take my long "exploratory" walks. I enjoy the desert too; been to AZ and NV and SOCAL a lot, and I agree that it's beautiful and the air is lighter. Oh, and we have "thunder snow" here in WNY! Haha!

I hear you, I'm from Toronto as I mentioned, the weather is very similar to Buffalo NT, and I've also lived in Victoria BC which is similar in weather to Seattle. It's the intense heat is that makes it harder to walk around on foot in AZ (we even have drive up banking) and possibly in New Orleans (I don't know that for sure though).

I love walkable neighborhoods and what you describe sounds lovely. I look forward to seeing how you like it if you move there.

[Hawaii4evr]

I forgot to mention walking in the heat; a few days out of the summer in NOLA, you'll either want to be at the pool or staying inside during the afternoon. But despite the heat, it really isn't that bad (as long as you wear deodorant and stay hydrated). The summers down South aren't so different than those in the Northeast--a tad hotter with a bit more humidity, but it's not that noticeable. Also, the monsoons come almost everyday, and that provides some relief of mugginess and heat.

[Professor46]

I'd not be concerned about the heat at all -- we had hot and humid Summers in Pennsylvania growing up and I loved it. I've also gone to Key West in August, and Palm Springs and Las Vegas in July and also love that!

I would MUCH rather be too hot than too cold.

Originally Posted by Hawaii4evr

I forgot to mention walking in the heat; a few days out of the summer in NOLA, you'll either want to be at the pool or staying inside during the afternoon. But despite the heat, it really isn't that bad (as long as you wear deodorant and stay hydrated). The summers down South aren't so different than those in the Northeast--a tad hotter with a bit more humidity, but it's not that noticeable. Also, the monsoons come almost everyday, and that provides some relief of mugginess and heat.

[Hawaii4evr]

Then with that out of the way, it certainly seems like you'd have no problem living there. It's also beautiful--subtropical plants growing everywhere, lol. I'm also a lover of heat & humidity.

[Neworleansisprettygood]

THe palmetto is native to the surrounding swamps, but the big ones like on Carrollton Ave. are imports. As far as weather, it was in the 70s as recently as last week.

[Hawaii4evr]

Yeah--New Orleans often gets a few warm days in the winter/late fall (warm being 70F and above).

[Professor46]

That sounds like paradise . . . it was 37 degrees here today, and we just had snow. Ugh!

Originally Posted by Hawaii4evr

Yeah--New Orleans often gets a few warm days in the winter/late fall (warm being 70F and above).

[Professor46]

An apartment like this would be EXACTLY what I was looking for . . .

https://neworleans.craigslist.org/apa/4788920429.html